Week 1 NEWSLETTER

from the principal

DPS Kid - Skills for Success

Just as a new school year begins so the debate re-ignites about What School Could Be About. The government last year opened a number of reviews into the school system, and this year is likely to make public what the changes will be.

The question I find really interesting is: Does success at school translate to success in life? I wrote extensively about this last year in the newsletter, largely circling around what School Could Be About. Do we focus on knowledge? Do we focus on skills? Are we looking to create kids who can ‘pass exams’? Or rather, is it more important to create a generation of great citizens? The lines blur between each of these areas, but certainly a shift away from traditional knowledge/skills is underway. Just today this article ran on Stuff, and makes some great points especially if you have children in the secondary school system. The pressure to succeed academically through NCEA is growing, and I don’t believe this is healthy for us as a society. I will write more about that next week.

This article discusses the Future of Work, looking at the impact of AI, Robotics, the changes to manufacturing, changing generational views of what a ‘career’ is, and what a fair wage is. Agree or disagree, it is easy to see that the world is shifting and the traditional pattern of school, qualification, career, is being disrupted.

If employers are seeking ‘enterprise’ or ‘soft skills’ (such as problem solving, collaboration, innovation, determination, communication, critical thinking, creativity etc) we can’t just assume that children will develop these skills, we cannot leave it up to chance. The system needs to teach these skills, to give learners the opportunity to test themselves, to fail, to pick themselves up and try again. This goes against the grain of what school has looked like historically, but is the path DPS is taking and enjoying success in.

Billie

Many of you and a generation of DPS Kids, will remember Mrs Kershaw’s labrador Billie...who was our school dog for over a decade. Sadly Billie was put to sleep yesterday after reaching the ripe old age of 14 years. Billie was a valued member of the school team and brought many smiles to the children and adults of DPS. Thoughts are with the Kershaw whānau.

Staff Update

Megan Fraser has joined the Kahikatea Team this year, coming to us from Waipahihi School in Taupo. Martha Brienza has returned to Kōwhau from maternity leave, Hannah Moore and Hayley Sinton also return to their part time roles. Kris MacLeod and Christina Manuel join our support staff team.

Hats & Togs

Term 1 is underway, and so is swim season. We are very fortunate at DPS to have a school pool and over the summer break it has had some repairs and a coat of paint...and it looks amazing. Massive thanks to FODPS for paying for all the work, and to Mr Blue for getting it done and sorted so we can be swimming day one. We aim to swim daily for the first 6 or 7 weeks of the school year, so togs and towel are a daily requirement. Also, being a summer term, DPS bucket hats are required also...no hat, no play.

Whakaoriori Kāhui Ako (Masterton Community of Learning)

It has taken some time, but the Masterton Community of Learning is leaping into life. 32 education entities ranging from ECE right through to all the colleges have banded together to work on common issues the learners in Masterton face. Two of our teachers join the lead team for the town. Amy Williams is one of 5 Across School Lead Teachers. These ASL teachers will work with all 32 members of the Kāhui Ako under the direction of Fernridge’s Principal (and our town’s Lead Principal) Janine Devenport. Amy will be out of class 2 days a week to complete this role. James Riley is our Within School Lead Teacher. His role is to support the development of the Kāhui Ako’s goals, and for us in particular to develop our capability in Numeracy.

what's happening at DPS?

Stationery Pack prices for 2019

Rimu N/E pack $20.00

Rimu Y1 top up pack $14.00

Kowhai Syndicate $17.00

Rata Syndicate $17.00

Kahikatea Syndicate $17.00

Stationery packs have been distributed to the pupils on the first day of the term (Tuesday 29th Jan)

Payment is to be made by Friday 15th February 2019

DPS Sport 2019

Term 1 Sport kicks off soon!

Check out the details below...

Notices have been sent home for teeball, mod-softball and intermediate softball. Permission slips need to be returned by Thursday 7th February and no late permission slips will be accepted.

There is a box in the office foyer labelled "Term 1 Sport".

Year 1 & 2 Netball

The Future Ferns program run by Netball Wairarapa starts on Wednesday 27th February at the Colombo Rd facility. It runs for 6 weeks and is $20 per player.

Each team will require a "Star Helper" and a course will be run on Wednesday 20th February to introduce you to the program.

A notice will come home next week with pupils who are keen to give netball a go! Any questions feel free to email Amy WIlliams on amywilliams@douglaspark.school.nz

Lead Councillors 2019

Izaac

Hi my name is Izaac and I have two sisters and I live in the country. I have a lot of pet ducks that sleep all over the lawn. I love playing hockey, swimming and silly sausages. My best friends are Josh and Taine. I love motor biking and hunting. I am 10 years old. My birthday is November the 9th. I'm really excited to be a lead councillor. I am looking forward to doing fundraisers and doing jobs for the school.

Alexi

Hi, my name is Alexi and I have two brothers and one sister. I also have two dogs and 4 cats. I love unicorns, swimming, art and hockey. My favourite meals are cheesecake, lollies, chocolate, ice blocks, cookies and nachos. Some of my friends are Lola, Brooke, Lily, Immi, Jeianah, Juliet and Penelope. My birthday is April the 1st. I was so happy when they announced me as lead councillor last year. I look forward to doing lots of jobs and the discos.